Effect of Statins on Responses to Interferon Beta-1a
Neurology Summary and Comment
A retrospective study suggests that statins do not interfere with the therapeutic effects of IFNβ-1a in multiple sclerosis, but methodologic problems render the issue unresolved.
By Hillel Panitch, MD
October 6, 2009
Covering:
Rudick RA et al., Neurology 2009 Jun 9; 72:1989
Refining Antiplatelet Treatment in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a randomized trial, oral ticagrelor outperformed clopidogrel.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
September 2, 2009
Covering:
Wallentin L et al. for the PLATO Investigators., N Engl J Med 2009 Sep 10; 361:1045
Statins to Prevent Perioperative Cardiovascular Events
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In high-risk patients, several weeks of statin therapy before vascular surgery led to less ischemia and fewer MIs.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
September 3, 2009
Covering:
Schouten O et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Sep 3; 361:980
Combination Lipid-Lowering Therapy May Not Be More Effective Than High-Dose Statin Monotherapy
"Limited evidence" suggests that combination lipid-lowering therapy is no more effective than high-dose statin monotherapy for improving clinical outcomes, according to a meta...
Statin Reload Beneficial in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Cardiology Summary and Comment
The ARMYDA-RECAPTURE results demonstrate that the protective effects of statin loading before PCI extend to ACS patients who are already taking statins.
By Howard C. Herrmann, MD
August 19, 2009
Covering:
Di Sciascio G et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2009 Aug 4; 54:558
Ellis SG and Anwaruddin S., J Am Coll Cardiol 2009 Aug 4; 54:566
Statins for Primary Prevention: Homing in on Effectiveness
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A new meta-analysis bolsters the case for benefit.
Active Commuting and Cardiovascular Risk
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Walking or biking to work is associated with some favorable risk markers, but whether these practices confer a benefit is unclear.
Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Inflammatory Disease
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Deprivation in childhood increases markers of inflammation in adults, regardless of adult prosperity.
Statins for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Statin users were less likely to experience major adverse coronary or cerebrovascular events.
Red Yeast Rice for Hypercholesterolemia in People with Statin-Related Myalgias
General Medicine Summary and Comment
This herbal supplement lowered LDL cholesterol levels without causing intolerable myalgias.
Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Spending, and Total Medical Spending
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In patients with little or no drug coverage before Part D enactment, additional drug costs during the program’s first 2 years were offset by reductions in other medical costs.
More Tofu, Please?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a small randomized, controlled study, a low-carbohydrate, plant-based diet improved lipid measures more than a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
June 24, 2009
Covering:
Jenkins DJA et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Jun 8; 169:1046
Tuttle KR and Milton JE., Arch Intern Med 2009 Jun 8; 169:1027
An Herbal Option for Statin-Intolerant Patients?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A supplement of red yeast rice outperforms placebo in a small randomized trial.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
June 17, 2009
Covering:
Becker DJ et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Jun 16; 150:830
Phillips PS., Ann Intern Med 2009 Jun 16; 150:885
Rapid Weight Gain in Early Infancy Increases Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
Infants with rapid weight gain had significantly greater body fat and waist circumference and reduced insulin sensitivity as adults, compared with infants with slow weight gain.
Prevention of Death After Stroke
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Only a quarter of British stroke patients (age,
U.S. Trends in Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes, 1999 Through 2006
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Although racial and socioeconomic disparities in disease control persist, insurance coverage appears to narrow the gaps.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
May 13, 2009
Covering:
McWilliams JM et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Apr 21; 150:505
Lipid Changes Differ Within HIV Drug Classes
In a pooled analysis of clinical trials, tenofovir-based therapies and those containing efavirenz or ritonavir-boosted atazanavir, darunavir, or saquinavir had the most favorable effects on plasma lipids.
By Paul E. Sax, MD
May 11, 2009
Covering:
Hill A et al., HIV Clin Trials 2009 Jan/Feb; 10:1
Independent Effects of LDL Cholesterol and hsCRP Lowering in the JUPITER Trial
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Greater hsCRP reductions correlated with improved cardiovascular outcomes.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
April 23, 2009
Covering:
Ridker PM et al., Lancet 2009 Apr 4; 373:1175
Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Daily Practice
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A longitudinal analysis of cross-sectional study results reveals an urgent need for effective lifestyle management.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
April 22, 2009
Covering:
Kotseva K et al., Lancet 2009 Mar 14; 373:929
Brekke M and Gjelsvik B., Lancet 2009 Mar 14; 373:873
Statins and Venous Thrombosis
Recent studies confirm that statins lower risk for VT and suggest that the agents could aid in managing venous disease.
By David Green, MD, PhD
April 14, 2009
Covering:
Ramcharan AS et al., J Thromb Haemost 2009 Apr; 7:514
Sørensen HT et al., J Thromb Haemost 2009 Apr; 7:521
Cushman M., J Thromb Haemost 2009 Apr; 7:511
Do Statins Prevent Cardiovascular Events in Hemodialysis Patients?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Not according to findings from this randomized, controlled trial
By Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
March 30, 2009
Covering:
Fellström BC et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 2; 360:1395
Strippoli GFM and Craig JC., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 2; 360:1455
TIPS for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a large feasibility trial, one small pill had favorable effects on many important risk markers.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
March 30, 2009
Covering:
Yusuf S et al for The Indian Polycap Study (TIPS)., Lancet 2009 Mar 30
Cannon CP., Lancet 2009 Mar 30
Statins to Prevent Venous Thromboembolic Disease
Cardiology Summary and Comment
The beneficial effects of statins on arterial thrombosis and inflammation appear to extend to the venous side as well.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
March 29, 2009
Covering:
Glynn RJ et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Mar 29
Hold the Statins
Even with the AAP’s updated guidelines for treating hyperlipidemia, few adolescents will meet criteria for pharmacologic management.
HDL Levels and Coronary Heart Disease: It’s Complicated
Cardiology Summary and Comment
According to a meta-regression analysis, interventions that modify HDL levels do not reduce risk for CHD.
